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Tag: Shayne Ward

  • The Good Ship Murder series 3: Lauren Drummond, Samantha Power, and Nitin Ganatra join cast of episode 6

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    The Good Ship Murder docks in Valletta, Malta, with brothers Christopher and Dominic onboard – but who plays who in the guest cast of series 3 episode 6?

    This week,Ā the successful and charismatic Dominic is accompanied by his wife Rosie. But Dominic’s alpha- male tendencies grate constantly with his younger sibling. Lacking in confidence, Christopher feels excluded from the family business.

    Dominic suggests that the brothers go on a scavenger hunt around Valletta – but really it’s just an excuse to be competitive. But, guess what? Things don’t go the way Dominic planned when he ends up dead. And various suspects emerge, not least his little bro.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the guest cast of The Good Ship Murder series 3 episode 6.

    Actor and comedian Nitin Ganatra as Dominic Monkford in The Good Ship Murder (Credit: Channel 5)

    Good Ship Murder series 3 episode 6 cast: Nitin Ganatra is Dominic Monkford

    Nitin Ganatra, who was actually born in Kenya, stars as Dominic Monkford in The Good Ship Murder this week. Dominic is the rather grating cruiser, who meets a sticky end during his sunny family holiday. And there’s quite the array of suspects – his brother Christopher, his wife Rosie, and hunt operator Mirko.

    Soap fans will know Nitin best for playing Masood Ahmed in EastEnders. He portrayed the extremely popular character between

    Nitin Ganatra, 58, has a 35-year career, with early roles in TV series such as Extremely Dangerous, The Jury, Rescue Me, and Being April. Before his famous role in Easties, he portrayed Sami Sattar in Holby City in 2003 until 2004.Ā 

    Other notable roles include Nitin (himself basically) in Meet the Magoons, Sid Gokahani in Jane Hall, Dev Raja in Mumbai Calling, Mr Daisy in The Worst Witch, and Charles Ambrose in The Essex Serpent.

    More recently, Nitin has been a very busy boy. He’s appeared in Breeders, Bodies, 3 Body Problem, Sexy Beast, Mr Bigstuff, and Sweetpea – just in the past three years. He also plays Mr Robertson in Alan Carr comedy Changing Ends.

    Lauren Drummond as Julia Stanton in The Good Ship Murder
    Waterloo Road star Lauren Drummond as Julia Stanton (Credit: C5)

    Lauren Drummond plays Julia Stanton

    Manchester-born actress Lauren Drummond, 38, portrays Julia. She’s a friendly and attractive woman Dominic meets in the casino on the ship. Dominic teases his brother Christopher in front of Julia, but also seems slightly uncomfortable around her…

    Lauren is probably best known for playing Chantelle Lane in Holby City from 2011 to 2016. Chantelle was a likeable staff nurse, described as ā€œalways cheerfulā€ and ā€œwarm-heartedā€.

    The actress is also famous for portraying Mika Grainger in Waterloo Road. She played the role between 2006 and 2007, making a surprise return in 2024 as the same character. Mika Grainger was a bright hard-working student who, at one point, was the victim of a cyberbullying campaign.

    Her very first ever role was playing Lucy in one episode of Grange Hill in 2005, before going on to star as Jane Black in Heartbeat. Other notable roles include student nurse Faye Clark in the ITV drama The Royal, Kelly Jones in Unforgotten, Jane Bestwick in Coronation Street, and Georgina Kaplan in the recent Billie Piper comedy I Hate Suzie.

    More recently, she portrayed Suzie Chapman in the cast of DI Ray series 2.

    Naveed Choudhry as Christopher Monkford in The Good Ship Murder
    Actor Naveed Choudhry as Christopher Monkford in the cast of The Good Ship Murder series 3 episode 6 (Credit: Channel 5)

    Naveed Choudhry stars as Christopher Monkford

    Salford-born actor Naveed Choudry stars as Dominic’s younger brother Christopher. He quickly becomes the prime suspect in his sibling’s murder, having had ample reason to want him out of the picture.

    Naveed, 40, is best known for appearing in Waterloo Road – as two different characters! He first joined the BBC One school drama between 2007 and 2009 (in series 3 and 4) playing Shahid Kapoor over several episodes.

    He then reappeared in 2011’s series 7 as a different character. This time, Naveed was playing Tariq Siddiqui, a role he played on and off until 2013.

    More recently, Naveed portrayed Amir in several episodes of Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.Ā His role in The Good Ship Murder is actually his first significant TV appearance since his soap role in 2019.

    Since his first TV appearance in 2007, he’s popped up in Silent Witness, Survivors, Crime Stories, Casualty, No Offence, Doctors, and DCI Banks.

    Samantha Power as Rosie Masters in The Good Ship Murder
    Actress Samantha Power as Rosie (Credit: C5)

    Samantha Power portrays Rosie Masters

    Lancashire-born Samantha Power portrays Rosie Masters, Dominic’s wife, and also a suspect. It seems her patience may finally have run out with regards to her spouse.

    In 2024, actress Samantha stirred up all kinds of trouble in Emmerdale, when she took over the role of Tina Dingle, black sheep of the Dingle clan. The character, previously played by Jacqueline Pirie from 1994 to 1996, shocked everyone when she unexpectedly turned up at her father Zak’s funeral.

    She didn’t stick around for long, carted off by police after trying to sell the family’s cottage from under their noses.

    Samantha played another jailbird in Sky comedy drama Brassic between 2023 and 2024. This time, the unpredictable and psychopathic Donna McDonagh, sister of the McDonagh brothers.

    And, in 2017 – not shy of playing a complicated character – she had a memorable run as drug addict mother Simone Booth in the school-based drama series Ackley Bridge.

    Other guest credits include Whitstable Pearl, Doctors, Shakespeare & Hathaway, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, and the children’s supernatural series Wolfblood Secrets and its sequel Wolf Blood. Early notable roles in her career included Sonia Trent in A Prince Among Men, Jane in Little Britain, Debbie Rossi in The Cup, Talisa and Grady in Coronation Street.

    Jeremy Vella as Mirko Spiteri in The Good Ship Murder
    Maltese filmmaker Jeremy Vella as Mirko Spiteri in The Good Ship Murder (Credit: Channel 5)

    Mirko Spiteri is played by Jeremy Vella

    Jeremy Vella stars asĀ Mirko, the ā€œdevious hunt operatorā€ whose account of his whereabouts seems to shift continually.

    Jeremy is actually not usually an actor. From Malta, he’s best known for working behind the scenes of the show as the cast PA, floor runner, or assistant director. He’s worked as a second assistant director on The Madame Blanc Mysteries, which is also filmed in Malta.Ā 

    This is, in fact, his first time in front of the camera working as an actor.

    The Good Ship Murder series 3 episode 6 full cast list including guests:

    Shayne Ward stars as Jack Grayling.

    Catherine Tyldesley plays Kate Woods.

    Zak Douglas is Jamil Al-Rashid.

    Geoffrey Breton portrays Piers De Vreese.

    Ross Adams plays Colin Smallwood.

    Kiza Deen stars as Frankie Johnson.

    James Barriscale is Captain Marlowe.

    Yuna Shin portrays Dr. Sharon Tan.

    Lauren Drummond plays Julia Stanton.

    Naveed Choudhry stars as Christopher Monkford.

    Samantha Power portrays Rosie Masters.

    Nitin Ganatra is Dominic Monkford.

    Jeremy Vella plays Mirko Spiteri.

    Read more: Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph reunite on screen for Channel 5 cosy crime The Good Ship Murder series 3

    The Good Ship Murder series 3 episode 6 airs on Tuesday, February 03, 2026 at 9pm on Channel 5.

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    Helen Fear

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  • Strictly 2024 pairings revealed in full as three fan-favourite pros left without a celebrity partner

    Strictly 2024 pairings revealed in full as three fan-favourite pros left without a celebrity partner

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    Strictly 2024 is back for its 20th year and already the nation’s favourite dance show has gone out with a bang.

    Tonight’s episode (September 14) revealed who the 15 celebrities are paired with and what dances they will take on next week. However, a couple of fan-favourite professional dancers have not been teamed with a celebrity partner.

    Despite making it to Blackpool with Angela Rippon last year, Kai Waddington has not been assigned a celebrity. Sadly, the same goes for Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu.

    That said, Lauren still admitted it feels ā€œreally specialā€œ to be a part of Strictly’s 20th anniversary. ā€œI’ve watched the show growing up. I watched the first episode, so I can’t believe I’m now part of it, especially in such a monumental year. It’s the best show on telly, so I’m not surprised it’s lasted 20 years, and I just feel really lucky to be part of it. It’s amazing,ā€œ she said.

    Dianne Buswell will be teaching Chris McCausland to dance (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell

    Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, who made it to last year’s finals with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.

    For their first dance, Chris and Dianne will perform the Cha Cha to The Beatles’ iconic Twist and Shout.

    Joking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about their partnership, Chris quipped: ā€œShe is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!ā€

    Jamie Borthwick with Strictly partner Michelle Tsiakkas
    Jamie Borthwick is Michelle Tsiakkas’ first-ever celebrity partner (Credit: BBC)

    Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas

    After winning last year’s Christmas special, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick signed himself up for the 2024 series. He has been paired with Michelle Tsiakkas.

    After joining the Strictly family in 2022, this is the first time Michelle has been assigned a partner. ā€œIt’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!ā€ she said.

    During week one, the pair will perform a Viennese Waltz to Benson Boone’s recent chart-topper, Beautiful Things.

    Asked about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, Jamie said: ā€œThat’s what swung me hook, line and sinker. I don’t quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.ā€

    JB Gill with Amy Dowden in their Strictly portrait
    Amy Dowden is back for 2024 and she’s partnered with JB Gill (Credit: BBC)

    JB Gill and Amy Dowden

    Like Jamie, JLS star JB Gill also competed on a Christmas special and took home the glitterball trophy. Clearly, the Beat Again hitmaker wants the full experience and has been assigned Amy Dowden as his partner.

    The Welsh dancer returns to the show after having to step back last year due to her cancer diagnosis. ā€œI’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JBĀ to have the best time and fall in love with dancing,ā€ Amy said.

    Their first dance will be a Waltz to Leo Sayer’s When I Need You.

    Johannes Radebe with Montell Douglas in their Strictly portrait
    Johannes Radebe is partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas (Credit: BBC)

    Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe

    Gladiators star Montell Douglas has been paired with Johannes Radebe, who made it to last year’s semi-finals with former tennis player Annabel Croft.

    For their first dance, Montell and Johannes will perform a Foxtrot to Dinah Washington’s Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.

    ā€œIt feels like a full circle moment, not just for me, but for everybody that’s ever been involved since its inception, from 2004 until now. I think everybody should just be proud that it’s still going. It’s just amazing,ā€ he said about the upcoming series.

    Asked if she felt pleased to be partnered with Johannes, Montell said: ā€œHow can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!ā€

    They then joked that their team name would be MoJo!

    Luba Mushtuk with Nick Knowles in their Strictly portrait
    Luba Mushtuk has been tasked with teaching Nick Knowles to dance (Credit: BBC)

    Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk

    After gracing our screens for several decades, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is giving Strictly a go. To help teach him his moves, he has been paired with Luba Mushtuk.

    Asked if he thought theirs was a good match by the hosts, TV favourite Nick said: ā€œYes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race…. We’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally!ā€

    Their first dancing during week one will be a Jive to Starship’s We Built This City.

    Paul Merson and Karen Hauer wearing yellow dancing
    Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer is partnered with Paul Merson (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer

    Former footballer Paul Merson will be taught how to dance by Karen Hauer. ā€œI just want him to enjoy himself,ā€ said Karen. ā€œI want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we’re going to have the most fun!ā€

    Keeping with the theme of footie, Paul and Karen will perform an American Smooth to Fat Les’ anthem Vindaloo.

    Jowita Przystal wearing orange posing with Pete Wicks
    Jowita Przystal and partner Pete Wicks have already sparked romance rumours (Credit: BBC)

    Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal

    After not having much luck with Olympian Jody Cundy last year, maybe Jowita Przystal will return to the top of the leaderboard with her 2024 partner Pete Wicks. They’ve already sparked romance rumours!

    Asked if he was pleased to be partnered with Jowita by Claudia, Pete said: ā€œ100%. The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.ā€

    However, after being told their first performance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe, Pete looked confused and said: ā€œWhat’s a Paso Doble?ā€

    Gorka Marquez wearing yellow with Dr Punam
    Gorka Marquez returns for 2024 and is partnered with Dr Punan Krishnan (Credit: BBC)

    Dr Punam Krishnan and Gorka Marquez

    Strictly favourite Gorka Marquez is teamed up with TV doctor Punam Krishnan.

    As he returns to the show once again, Gorka revealed it’s a ā€œprivilegeā€ to be a part of the 20th anniversary.

    ā€œIt’s the dreams of any professional dancer to be on the biggest TV show on telly but also to be celebrating 20 years doesn’t happen very often. It’s incredible to be celebrating a show that has been running successfully for 20 years with so many memorable moments. To be part of something that has touched so many lives is incredible. I’m very excited to celebrate it,ā€ he said.

    Dr Punam said: ā€œI’m absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience.ā€

    Their first performance will be a Cha Cha to pop princess Kylie Minogue’s Love At First Sight.

    Tasha Ghouri with Aljaz Skorjanec wearing blue
    Tasha Ghouri is partnered with returning pro Aljaz Skorjanec (Credit: BBC)

    Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec

    Model, author and dancer Tasha Ghouri might have previous experience, but she’s about to learn a whole lot more now that she’s partnered with returning pro Aljaž Å korjanec.

    The pair will show off their moves to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso in the style of a Cha Cha.

    Speaking about her pro partner, Tasha quipped: ā€œI am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.ā€

    Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova wearing bright pink on Strictly
    Olympian Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Credit: BBC)

    Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova

    Olympian swimmer Tom Dean has been partnered with Ukrainian professional Nadiya Bychkova.

    ā€œI’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!ā€ Nadiya quipped of the gold medal-winning swimmer.

    For their first dance, they will perform a Tango to Harry Styles’ Golden.

    Neil Jones with Toyah Willcox in their Strictly portrait
    Neil Jones has a celebrity partner this year in Toyah Willcox (Credit: BBC)

    Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones

    1980s icon Toyah Willcox has been paired with Neil Jones. It will be Neil’s first celebrity pairing since 2021.

    ā€œI’ve been around the show for about 10 years so it’s incredible to be a part of this for that long,ā€ he said about his time on the show. Toyah said of her partner: ā€œI met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!ā€

    Toyah and Neil will also perform a Tango to Madonna’s Ray of Light.

    Sam Quek dancing with Nikita Kuzmin wearing blue
    Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin (Credit: BBC)

    Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin

    Former hockey player and I’m A Celeb star Sam Quek is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.

    The Ukrainian-Italian professional just missed out on the glitterball trophy with actor Layton Williams last year. So could 2024 be his year?

    Sam and Nikita’s first dance will be a Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes.

    Olympian Sam told Tess: ā€œI’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!ā€

    Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola wearing purple
    Sarah Hadland has been paired with reigning champ Vito Coppola (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola

    After winning the show with former Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, Vito Coppola has been paired with another actor, Sarah Hadland.

    Asked if he thinks he’ll lift the glitter ball again this year, Vito said: ā€œHonestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!ā€Ā 

    For their first dance, Sarah and Vito will perform a Quickstep to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.

    Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu against a blue background on Strictly
    Shayne Ward is with Nancy Xu for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)

    Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu

    After finishing last in 2023, hopefully, Nancy Xu will have more luck with former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward.

    ā€œI think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey,ā€ said Shayne.

    Nancy and former Corrie star Shayne will perform a Samba to Stevie Wonder’s I Do next week.

    Katya Jones with Wynne Evans in their Strictly portrait
    Katya Jones will be dancing with Wynne Jones this time around (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones

    Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.

    ā€œI didn’t have a clue who I was going to get,ā€ Wynne said.ā€Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!ā€

    Claudia asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, she said: ā€œI think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!ā€

    For the first dance next weekend, they perform a Samba to Tom Jones’ Help Yourself.

    Read more: Strictly 2024 star Nick Knowles explains why he won’t fall victim to show curse

    The Strictly 2024 live shows start next Saturday night (September 21) on BBC One.

    So what do you think of this story? You can leave us a commentĀ on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFixĀ and let us know.

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    Fabio Magnocavallo

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  • Strictly Come Dancing 2024 start date ‘revealed’ – and it’s just weeks away

    Strictly Come Dancing 2024 start date ‘revealed’ – and it’s just weeks away

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    Strictly 2024 is just around the corner with the line-up fully announced and a start date rumoured.

    The likes of Nick Knowles, Paul Merson and Sam Quek are among those taking part this year. Meanwhile, actor Shayne Ward, actress Sarah Hadland and Gladiator Montell Douglas were confirmed as contestants recently.

    Strictly will reportedly begin in September (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024 start date

    But when does Strictly begin? According to reports, the launch show could begin on September 14 while the first live show begins on September 21.

    Fans of Strictly are already able to apply for tickets, reports claim. It’s reported that they can buy tickets for show dates at Elstree Studios including September 21 and 28 and other dates in October, November and December.

    ED! has contacted the BBC for comment.

    With a rumoured start date, who’s taking part in the series?

    Read the full line-up below…

    Chris McCausland smiling
    Comedian and actor Chris McCausland announced as first Strictly 2024 contestant (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024 contestants: Chris McCausland

    After much speculation on who has signed up this year, This Morning hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle revealed on August 5 that actor and comedian Chris would the first celeb hitting the dancefloor next month.

    He joked that his reveal was the ā€œworst kept secret in British TVā€.

    The 47-year-old is most known for his role as Rudi in the CBeebies show Me Too! and regularly tours the UK with his comedy career. He also currently hosts his own Saturday morning ITV chat show, The Chris McCausland Show.

    Chris is blind due to a genetic disorder of the eyes called retinitis pigmentosa.

    ā€œIf anybody out there is thinking – how the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing. I don’t dance, I haven’t danced, I can’t dance, I can’t see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Okay don’t answer that…!ā€ he shared in a statement.

    JB Gill smiling
    JLS star JB is the second contestant announced (Credit: BBC)

    JB Gill

    After competing and winning the Strictly Christmas special in 2012, JLS star JB Gill has signed up to become one of the contestants for Strictly 2024.

    The music chart-topper also presents Songs of Praise.

    ā€œI danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me,ā€ the Beat Again hitmaker shared in a statement.

    ā€œI’m raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!ā€

    Former X Factor star JB being announced as the second contestant for Strictly 2024 has gone a treat with fans.

    ā€œWOW! That one caught me off guard. The 2nd member of JLS to take part in the show following Aston Merrygold in 2017. He’ll do really well!ā€ one user wrote.

    Wynne Evans smiles in Strictly 2024 promo pic
    Wynne will get his dancing shoes on! (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly line-up: Wynne Evans

    The third star taking part in Strictly 2024 is Wynne Evans. The star is best known for his operatic skills and his appearance in the Go.compare insurance adverts.

    He said: ā€œI am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! I’m not entirely sure how I’ll get along, if all else fails I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. I’m definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!ā€

    Toyah Willcox in Strictly 2024 promo photo
    Toyah will take part in Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)

    Toyah Willcox

    Singer and actress Toyah Willcox will get her dancing shoes on. She has been performing across stage and screen for over 50 years.

    In a statement Toyah said: ā€œWow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I’m here for every sparkly second. I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!ā€

    Dr Punam Krishan smiling in Strictly 2024 photo
    Dr Punam Krishan will join the BBC show: ā€˜This is so out of my comfort zone’ (Credit: BBC)

    Dr Punam Krishan

    Meanwhile, Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan became the fifth Strictly 2024 star.

    She appears on Morning Live as its resident GP. In a statement, Dr Punam said: ā€œThis still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show.

    ā€œI have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now,ā€ she then said.

    ā€œThis is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.ā€

    Tasha Ghouri against the Strictly background
    Tasha is reported to have dated Giovanni Pernice (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly contestants 2024: Tasha Ghouri

    Rumoured to have enjoyed a fling with Giovanni Pernice, Tasha became the sixth celeb to join the line-up on August 7.

    Tasha, who was born deaf, appeared on ITV’s Love Island in 2022. Since then has amassed a following of over 2.2 million across her social media network.

    Tasha has worked with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and also MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart. She is also a published author with her debut novel Hits Different and has her own podcast, Superpowers with Tasha.

    She said: ā€œPinch me, I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite. So this is a total dream come true.

    ā€œI know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor,ā€ she then added.

    Pete Wicks in front of the Strictly logo
    Pete Wicks was announced as one of the contestants for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)

    Pete Wicks

    After much speculation, Pete Wicks became the seventh person to sign up. A controversial signing given that he’s best friends with Zara McDermott’s boyfriend Sam Thompson.

    Pete’s best known for his appearances on TOWIE, and has a podcast with Sam.

    He said: ā€œDancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.ā€

    Zara McDermott speaks out on Pete Wicks doing Strictly
    Zara gushed over Pete doing Strictly (Credit: Instagram)

    Pete then added: ā€œBut anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.ā€

    Zara spoke out on her Instagram, writing: ā€œI’ve never been so excited. Love you.ā€

    Shayne Ward smiling in Strictly promo pic
    Shayne will get his dancing shoes on! (Credit: BBC)

    Shayne Ward

    On August 8, during ITV’s Lorraine, Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland were announced as the latest stars.

    Former Coronation Street star Shayne said in a statement: ā€œI’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!ā€

    Sarah Hadland in Strictly promo pic
    Sarah will swap acting for dancing! (Credit: BBC)

    Sarah Hadland

    Miranda favourite Sarah also said: ā€œI cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!ā€

    Jamie Borthwick in Strictly promo pic
    Jamie is swapping Albert Square for the Strictly ballroom (Credit: BBC)

    Jamie Borthwick

    EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has said in a statement: ā€œI had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say. I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!ā€

    He’s known for playing Jay Brown/Mitchell in the BBC soap.

    Tom Dean smiling in Strictly 2024 promo pic
    Swimmer Tom Dean is doing Strictly! (Credit: BBC)

    Tom DeanĀ 

    Olympian Tom Dean MBE will also join the line-up. Swimmer Tom is a three-time Olympic champion.

    He said in a statement: ā€œI am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!ā€

    Montell Douglas smiles in Strictly promo pic
    Montell Douglas is doing Strictly! (Credit: BBC)

    Montell Douglas

    On August 9, ā€˜Fire’ from Gladiators and Olympian Montell Douglas was announced for Strictly 2024.

    Montell said in a statement: ā€œStrictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!ā€

    Nick Knowles smiling in Strictly promo pic
    DIY SOS fave Nick is doing Strictly! (Credit: BBC)

    Nick Knowles

    DIY SOS star Nick Knowles has been announced as the next Strictly star on The One Show on August 12.

    He said in a statement: ā€œI’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure. I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything …. and try not to embarrass my kids of course!ā€

    Paul Merson in Strictly 2024 promo pic
    Paul Merson has joined the line-up! (Credit: BBC)

    Paul Merson

    Former football star Paul Merson will get his dancing shoes on. The news was announced on The One Show on August 12.

    He said in a statement: ā€œJoining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on. I’m ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!ā€

    Sam Quek in Strictly promo pic
    Sam Quek will take to the dance floor (Credit: BBC)

    Sam Quek

    TV star Sam Quek is the final 2024 contestant. She’s known for being a hockey player and a TV star, having a hosting role on BBC’s Morning Live. She also appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2016.

    She said in a statement: ā€œAs a former hockey player I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting! I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.ā€

    Read more: Strictly Come Dancing champion Bill Bailey makes McDonald & Dodds debut as series comes to an end

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    Fabio Magnocavallo

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